Some people argue that desecration of the American flag can be justified by the freedom of speech granted by the Constitution.
In the case of United States versus Eichmen, Texas versus Johnson and United States versus Haggerty, people alleged that free speech as provided in the First Amendment should give them leeway without consequences to do however they wish with the American flag. In the case of Haggerty, the defendants argued that they can make the flag into anything they desire and even burn it after completion. However, if the flag is owned by an institution or government office, the violator may be fined or penalized.
Others in favor of the prohibition of flag desecration argue that the freedom of speech is not violated, since burning or destroying the flag is very different from keeping one from saying the things he or she wants to say. There are no written words, expressions or other meaningful symbols that can come out of the act of burning the national banner. One cannot interpret anything from the sounds created by the fire burning the material. There is no relation at all between flag desecration and freedom of speech.
Non-verbal deeds do not equate to language. Any person knows that any non-verbal activity cannot possibly be literally interpreted to mean something. In fact, it causes a lot of confusion and disarray if people were to think that someone said something without even opening their mouth.
Although non-verbal acts can have various meanings, the bottom line is that people should treat the American flag with the respect it deserves. If people are angry with the government, they should write a letter or talk about their frustrations to the right leaders, and not simply treat the banner with malice.
Labels: American flag, Burning a flag, custom flag, custom flag maker, custom flag. personalized flag
by:
The Flagman
